ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Selective Insurance Powers Up by Adding Giant Solar Farm
By Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
Selective Insurance , a leading business , home and auto carrier , showed its commitment to sustainability and clean energy recently , in completing a huge 3.8 megawatt solar installation at its Branchville headquarters .
The facility was unveiled at the “ Power Up NJ ” event , where Mark Wilcox , the company ’ s executive vice president and chief financial officer explained Selective ’ s philosophy in constructing the solar field and commitment to a clean energy future .
“ As a property and casualty insurer , we understand climate change science and the impact increased weather-related loss frequency and severity have on our individual and business customers ,” he said . “ To advance a clean energy future and reduce carbon-based power demand , we proudly unveil the latest solar installation at our Branchville , NJ corporate headquarters . This installation allows us to produce up to approximately five million kWh of electricity annually that we sell to others .”
In a statement released by the company , Selective officials also said they believe climate change contributes to the increasing unpredictability of natural catastrophes , such as hurricanes , floods , and wildfires , which are among the most serious and severe risks facing our policyholders , communities and businesses . “ We believe it is our corporate responsibility to help mitigate climate change impacts for all our stakeholders ,” the statement read .
Selective ’ s commitment to renewable energy began in 2019 when it built a ground-mount solar photovoltaic facility on 9 acres located on the company ’ s Branchville property . It consisted of 7,470 LG 400-Watt solar panels . This initial
Aerial view of Selective Insurance solar farm
facility generates 4 million kWh of electricity annually that is sold through New Jersey ’ s Solar Renewable Energy Certificate Program .
The second phase was constructed as a canopy over the company ’ s parking garage and is expected to produce 1 million kWh of electricity each year . It will be sold through the state ’ s Transition Renewable Energy Certificate Program .
At the event , Selective unveiled a commemorative solar panel for attendees involved with the project to sign . Visitors were also able to inspect the four new U . S . -manufactured charging stations with dual ports that Selective installed at its headquarters . Employees can now charge their electric vehicles while at work .
Sol Systems , LLC was the contractor for the ground mount project . Infinity Energy , LLC and Star-Lo Electric , Inc . also worked on the project . For the canopy installation , Selective contracted
Sol CES Projects , LLC and the sub-contractors included : Core Development Group , LLC and Star-Lo Electric Inc .
Selective Insurance Group , Inc . ( Nasdaq : SIGI ) is a holding company for 10 property and casualty insurance companies rated “ A +” ( Superior ) by AM Best . Through independent agents , the insurance companies offer standard and specialty insurance for commercial and personal risks and flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program ’ s Write Your Own Program . Selective ’ s unique position as both a leading insurance group and an employer of choice is recognized in a wide variety of awards and honors , including listing in Forbes Best Midsize Employers in 2023 and certification as a Great Place to Work ® in 2023 for the fourth consecutive year . For more information about Selective , visit www . Selective . com .
Photo : Selective Insurance
Mark A . Wilcox of Select Insurance announces their solar initiative while ( L-R :) Vincent Senia and Tracy Morato sign their solar panels .
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